Over 409,000 students already placed in UK higher education – up 3% on 2014

A-Level results day

Published:12:08Thursday 13 August 2015

Share this article

Over 409,000 students know they are accepted to UK universities and colleges as of today – up 3% against A level results day in 2014.

This is the highest number of acceptances recorded on A level results day, and includes 362,000 students accepted to their first choice, up 3%, UCAS figures show.

There is a healthy increase of 5% in the number of UK 18 year olds placed in higher education and a 2% rise from 19 year olds, with fewer acceptances from older age groups.

More students from each of the four UK countries have been placed in higher education than at this point last year (England and Scotland +3%, Wales and Northern Ireland +1%).

The number of EU students placed has increased to 24,090 (+11%), and international acceptances have risen by 6% to 29,170.

The number of young UK students placed from the least advantaged backgrounds has risen by 4%.

Over 27,000 more young women from the UK are set to start university than young men, widening the gap between the sexes again this year.

Mary Curnock Cook, UCAS Chief Executive, said: “More UK 18 year olds will benefit from higher education in 2015 than in any year previously. More students in total have been placed at their first choice, an increase of 3% on 2014.

“This is an impressive outcome, given the slightly slower growth in the UK application rate.”

Applicants have been able to log in to Track on the UCAS website from 08:00 this morning to see if they have been accepted.

Students considering using the UCAS Clearing service can start researching courses this morning, before discussing their options with universities throughout the day. Students can make a formal Clearing choice from 17:00.

Full information and contact details can be found on the UCAS website and students can also direct questions to a UCAS expert on Twitter or Facebook. Experienced careers advisers are also ready to discuss the range of options open to students on the Exam Results Helpline, which is funded by the Department for Education, on 0808 100 8000.